The Shill

One-Act. The aliens have invaded, and humans are now the hottest source of protein available in the grocery stores of the Throdaxian's home world. A struggling actor is up for the role of a lifetime as the mascot for Varkon Ranch's line of human-based meat foods. It's an audition he has to nail, because "if you're not on the package, you're in the package".

One-Act. The aliens have invaded, and humans are now the hottest source of protein available in the grocery stores of the Throdaxian's home world. A struggling actor is up for the role of a lifetime as the mascot for Varkon Ranch's line of human-based meat foods. It's an audition he has to nail, because "if you're not on the package, you're in the package".

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

The Shill

Recommended by

  • Craig Houk: The Shill

    The Shill is an inventive dark comedy that pairs an imaginative sci-fi premise with sharp wit and thoughtful satire. Greg Mandryk builds an engaging world that cleverly examines themes of survival, complicity, and consumer culture, while balancing absurd humor with moments of genuine tension. A smart, entertaining piece that offers audiences plenty to laugh at while leaving them with something deeper to consider.

    The Shill is an inventive dark comedy that pairs an imaginative sci-fi premise with sharp wit and thoughtful satire. Greg Mandryk builds an engaging world that cleverly examines themes of survival, complicity, and consumer culture, while balancing absurd humor with moments of genuine tension. A smart, entertaining piece that offers audiences plenty to laugh at while leaving them with something deeper to consider.

  • Tom Moran: The Shill

    Just how far are you willing to sell out to (literally) save your own skin? That's the inspired premise behind this piece, which skewers the everything-for-a-buck ethos of showbiz against a ridiculous sci-fi background. Tons of fun and well worth a look.

    Just how far are you willing to sell out to (literally) save your own skin? That's the inspired premise behind this piece, which skewers the everything-for-a-buck ethos of showbiz against a ridiculous sci-fi background. Tons of fun and well worth a look.

  • Julie Grixlen: The Shill

    Cleverly written, The Shill illustrates ethics in action. Should one save their own skin? Or sacrifice for the good of many? Greg Mandryk’s wild humor never disappoints. A spectacularly warped piece and 100% worth a read. Hooray!

    Cleverly written, The Shill illustrates ethics in action. Should one save their own skin? Or sacrifice for the good of many? Greg Mandryk’s wild humor never disappoints. A spectacularly warped piece and 100% worth a read. Hooray!

View all 12 recommendations
3-4 men, 1-2 women

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Valdez Theatre Conference, Year 2026
  • Type Reading, Organization Heartland Theatre, Year 2024
  • Type Reading, Organization Cleveland Public Theatre, Year 2020

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization French Creek Players, Year 2026